The Middle East is outpacing the global average in international meetings growth, according to the IBTM World Trends Middle East report using data from ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association). With a growth rate of 5.1%, the region is well ahead of the global average of 3.7%.
Cities like Dubai (49 meetings) and Abu Dhabi (38) are cementing the Gulf’s lead. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also rising fast on the back of major infrastructure and policy shifts.
Events industry overview
Inflation (up to 70%) forces strategic budgeting. UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are leading event destinations, thanks to infrastructure and geographic positioning.
UAE is the top player – 92 international meetings were hosted in the UAE in 2023, more than Qatar (24), Saudi Arabia (17) and Jordan (13) combined. 70% of meetings are now face-to-face – hybrid accounts for 20%.
Key challenges: high costs and staffing shortages, especially in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Tech and wellness are becoming standard in events: apps, outdoor spaces, team-building.
Sustainability efforts are gaining ground but not yet top priority.
General economic picture
The Middle East is diversifying away from oil – focusing on tourism, finance, tech, and renewables. UAE and Saudi Arabia lead in infrastructure and economic openness, with the UAE acting as a global logistics hub.
China is now the region’s largest trading partner, overtaking the US and EU. Renewable energy is a major investment target: Saudi Aramco and UAE’s Masdar City focus on solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
Key tech hubs: Dubai Silicon Oasis and NEOM (Saudi Arabia). Fintech is rapidly growing, with strong regulatory backing in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Geopolitical risks remain, but initiatives like the Abraham Accords and the Saudi-Iran détente show signs of progress.
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